Notes: Also played basketball and was a dominant pitcher as a California prep. Redshirted in 2006. Appeared in 11 games in '07, starting the final eight in place of the injured starter, and completed 133-of-247 pass attempts (53.8 percent) for 2,175 yards with 19 touchdowns and three interceptions. Also rushed 105 times for 593 yards (5.6-yard average) and six touchdowns. Started 12-of-13 games played in '08, passing 208-383-2,849-22-7 (54.3) and running 161-1,130-17 (7.0). Did not start against Utah State (lack of preparation). Sprained his right ankle against Maryland in the Humanitarian Bowl and sat out the following spring practice. Was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 43rd round of the '09 MLB draft. In the fall, started all 13 games and tossed 166-282-2,052-20-6 (58.9) with 161-1,183-16 (7.3) on the ground. Started all 14 games in '10, producing 233-359-3,022-21-8 (64.9) through the air with 173-1,206-20 (7.0) on the ground. Is the only player in NCAA history to amass 10,000 yards passing and 4,000 yards rushing in a career. Team captain. Had a 31-16 career starting record.

Positives: Self-made, extremely competitive, hardworking grinder with a passion for the game. Hangs around long after practice and really works at his craft - the game is important to him. Plays with a swagger and has a sense of calm - not easily panicked by pressure, possessing the speed and acceleration to pull a rabbit out of his hat and easily avoid the rush. Good improvisational talent. Can deliver high-octane heaters and smoke the fastball - the ball pops out of his hand. Very smart. Long-armed with an athletic build. Rare production as a combo runner-passer. Demonstrated command and on-field leadership directing come-from-behind victory over Boise State and won a lot of games with an average supporting cast. Athletic enough to be tried as a receiver.

Negatives: Has a slender build and lacks upper-body strength. Worked out of a short-shotgun pistol offense that does not require a lot of NFL-type reads. A bit duck-footed and has an inconsistent throwing motion. Needs to improve touch and learn to take heat off the ball. Career completion percentage of only 58.2 (although improved ball placement as a senior and settled down as a passer). Has not regularly faced top competition, and production is inflated from a simple, spread offense. Takes long strides and is not sudden changing direction. Can be careless with the ball on the move, palming it with one hand in traffic.

Summary: An athletic thrower who will demand that an offense be tailored to his talents much like Vince Young required in Tennessee, Kaepernick is more advanced than Young at a similar stage and more sound intangibly. Has eventual starter potential for a creative offensive coordinator and could help readily in pistol packages. Has intriguing upside.